Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
10:00 a.m. December 18, 2011 - Fourth Sunday in Advent
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor

A WARM WELCOME TO VISITORS
You are invited to sign our guest book at the church entrance and to fill out a pew card and place it in the offering plate. We would like to get to know you better, and we invite you to enjoy fellowship and refreshments with us at coffee hour downstairs in the fellowship room following today’s Worship Service.

PRELUDE
WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, and PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
VOTUM and GOD’S GREETING
AROUND THE ADVENT WREATH (Responsive)
LEADER: Today we relight the first three candles of the Advent Wreath - the candles of HOPE, PEACE and JOY.

Now we light the fourth candle of Advent. This is the candle of LOVE (Fourth purple candle is lit.)
PEOPLE: Jesus demonstrated self-giving love in his ministry as the
Good Shepherd. Advent is a time for kindness, thinking of others, and
sharing with others. It is a time to love as God loved us by giving us his
most precious gift. As God is love, let us be love also.
LEADER: In the Book of Deuteronomy we find these words: "For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing. You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. (Deuteronomy 10:17-19a)
PEOPLE: From The Gospel of John we read the words of Jesus: "I
give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have
loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know
that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35)
LEADER: Let us pray:
Teach us to love, O Lord. May we always remember to put you first as we follow Christ's footsteps, that we may know your love and show it in our lives. As we prepare for our celebration of Jesus' birth, also fill our hearts with love for the world, that all may know your love and the one whom you have sent, your son, our Savior. Amen.
INVOCATION
*ADVENT CALL TO DEPENDENCE ON GOD (Responsive)
Advent calls us to joyful anticipation of the Messiah, but sometimes joy is lacking.
Restore us, O God.
When our delight is overshadowed by worry and fear,
Restore us, O God.
When problems loom large and solutions are elusive,
Restore us, O God.
When relationships are painful and hurt results,
Restore us, O God.
[Moment of Silence]
Restore us, O God.
When busyness and activity crowd out what is meaningful and
important,
Restore us, O God.
When life feels tedious, and the waiting drags on,
Restore us, O God.
When disappointments mount and disillusionment descends,
Restore us, O God.
WOMEN: Joy to the world! The light of the world is coming!
Restore to us, O God, the joy of your salvation!
SUNDAY SCHOOL PAGEANT “The First Christmas”
O, LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM (Congregation remains seated.)
O, little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
the everlasting Light;
the hopes and fears of all the years
are met in thee tonight.
AWAY IN A MANGER (Congregation remains seated.)
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head;
the stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
HARK, THE HERALD ANGELS SING (Congregation please stand.)
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn king;
peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful all ye nations rise;
join the triumph of the skies;
with the angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Hark, the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn king.”
SILENT NIGHT (Congregation remains seated.)
Silent night! holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
‘round yon virgin mother and Child;
holy Infant so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace,
sleep in heavenly peace.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSON Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 (pp. 422-3)
MESSAGE “Restore Us, O God: Love.”

PRAYER OF BLESSING
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
Gracious God, as we celebrate the power of the resurrection this day, we ask that you would receive these offerings and gifts that we give joyfully and generously. By the power of your Spirit, multiply them and use them to bring peace, justice, hope and the good news of Jesus Christ to all the world. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
A CHRISTMAS PRAYER (Unison)
Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate, and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen. (Robert Louis Stevenson)
*HYMN #135 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
*BENEDICTION, BLESSING, & RESPONSE - My Friends, May You Grow in Grace
My friends, may you grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior.
My friends, may you grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
To God be the glory, now and forever, now and forever, amen. (2x)
POSTLUDE

Consistory has approved the following slate of nominees for positions on the 2012-13 Consistory, and these nominees have agreed to serve if elected: As Deacons: NOREEN DICK, PATRICE LYONS, and BARBARA VOSBURGH. As Elders: DAVE ENNIS and DAWN VAN BUREN. Please keep these individuals in your prayers as they anticipate serving the Lord in their respective ministries. ELECTION OF NOMINEES TO OFFICE BY ACTIVE CONFESSING KRC MEMBERS WILL BE DONE TODAY IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING WORSHIP.

LESSONS AND CAROLSS
Kinderhook Reformed Church’s 2nd annual Celebration of Lessons and Carols will be presented at 4 p.m. THIS AFTERNOON. The Celebration had its beginning in England in the late 19th century and emphasizes the rich sung and spoken traditions of the season. It tells the story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus in nine short Bible readings from Genesis, the prophetic books, and the Gospels, interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns, and choir music. Today, the Celebration is still presented throughout the world in a diversity of denominations during the Christmas season. Please plan to attend this deeply meaningful and beautiful Worship Service

Orders for 2012 calendars, featuring photographs of Kinderhook by Jim Dunham, are being accepted for a donation of $15 to benefit the Kinderhook Cemetery. To order one of these beautiful calendars, contact Jim, 758-6171.

Kinderhook Reformed Church’s 300th Anniversary "KickOff" event will take place on January 8 immediately following the Worship Service. The 300th Anniversary Banner will be up for display, and a photograph will be taken of the congregation in front of the church under the banner! A brunch will be served as part of this opening of our year-long celebration, and donations of food items are needed to fill out the brunch menu. Please sign up on the sheet at the back table in the sanctuary. AT LEAST ONE 300th BIRTHDAY EVENT IS BEING PLANNED FOR EACH MONTH OF 2012, BEGINNING WITH THE JANUARY 8 FESTIVITIES. EVERYONE’S HELP IS VERY MUCH NEEDED, AND WE ASK THAT YOU PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER HOW YOU MIGHT PARTICIPATE IN THIS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR MINISTRY TO OUR CONGREGATION AND COMMUNITY. Please pray that God will continue to bless our church family as we move forward into our tricentennial year, and that each activity carried out will further our mission to know Christ and make Him known. If there are any questions, please contact Laura Rafferty at (518) 653-3994.

For those who are using the envelope system to present tithes and offerings to the church, new envelopes for 2012 will be ready for pick-up up in the back of the sanctuary before the end of the year. Boxes will be labeled in alphabetical order by last name. PLEASE USE YOUR NEW ENVELOPES BEGINNING SUNDAY, JANUARY 1.

IF YOU ARE NOT USING OFFERING ENVELOPES, BUT WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN, PLEASE FILL OUT ONE OF THE SMALL GREEN REQUEST SLIPS ON THE BACK TABLE AND DROP IT IN THE OFFERING PLATE. YOU MAY DO THIS NOW OR AT ANY TIME WITHIN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.

KRC SMALL GROUPS
PLEASE NOTE: KRC’s small groups offered on Thursday at 9 a.m. and Thursday at 7 p.m. are in recess until sometime in mid-January. Please watch upcoming bulletins for details about when they will resume.

MUCH APPRECIATION TO THE KRC FAMILY FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE VALATIE FOOD PANTRY, which served 105 families in October, including 180 adults & 139 children. Also, 133 Thanksgiving baskets were delivered to needy families, and KRC alone contributed 318 food items to this effort! Thanks to all who participated for your generosity. Non-perishable foods that are always popular at the pantry are evaporated milk; coffee; sugar; boxed cereals; pancake mix; syrup; jelly; canned meats, fruits, and vegetables; spaghetti sauce; mac & cheese; dinner helpers; apple sauce; juice; cake & brownie mixes. Donations may be placed in the collection containers available in the entryways of the church.

TO THOSE IN THE KRC FAMILY CELEBRATING DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS:
Marion Arnold, Nikki Barmen, Beth Ennis, Merrill Johnson,
Julie Moore, Spencer Moore, Birgitt Sherman, Cricket Warren
KRC’s share of support is $6,711 this year for services and resources to be provided for us by the Reformed Church in America at the local, regional, and national levels. EACH MEMBER’S SHARE OF THIS YEAR’S CLASSIS ASSESSMENT HAS BEEN SET AT $80.85. All who are able to do so are encouraged to offer, over and above their regular giving, their share of this support. All contributions made for this purpose should be clearly designated, “Classis Assessment.” MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO HAVE DONATED nearly $3,800 TO DATE TO HELP DEFRAY THIS EXPENSE.

Remember to Pray for
• those who do not know Christ, have turned their back on God, or are struggling in their faith.
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries.
• KRC programs & projects and those implementing and administering them: Natural Church Development; church restoration; KRC’s 300th birthday planning.
• leaders & those attending KRC’s Sunday School, Youth Group, new small group ministries, adult Bible study, Community Prayer Group, and New Members’ Class.
• our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely.
• our missionaries: Dave and Char Alexander, Perry Jones and Capital City Rescue Mission, Alex and Fran Knauss, Maureen Menard, Dick and Carolyn Otterness, Brian and Bea Post, Seth and Melissa Rogati, Betty Ann Stedwell.
• our children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies.
• those, especially children, victimized by famine, drought, and other natural disasters; abuses of war and violence; exploitation; neglect; and family hostility.
• those grieving the loss of loved ones, especially the Smith Family, grieving the death of Liz, mother and wife.
• Al Van Alstyne, in hospice at Columbia Memorial Hospital. Pray for comfort, peace, and reassurance for Al and his wife, Joan, as well as for their family.
• Joan Clause, recovering very well at home from a recent stroke, and for Paul and family as they assist Joan in her recovery; please pray that strength in Joan’s right side will continue to improve with therapy, and that recovery will continue without complications. Many thanks for all the prayers and loving expressions of concern for Joan.
• those dealing with cancer: Ron Jensen; Patricia’s mother; Shelly LoPiccolo; Gordon Parker; Donna Scalera; Emese; Joann Marvin; Rick; Matt; Tom Saulpaugh.
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Jane Deane; Stacey Baker; Patricia Taliaferro; Susan; Patricia and twins; Carol; Gordie Van Buren; Richard Williams; Angie Rivera Maycole; Sue Jones; Betty, sister of Sally Heimroth; Mark VanBuren; Dawn VanBuren; Florence Rivera; Ron Stockhoff; Ken Smith; Merrill & Erika Johnson; George Clowe; Kathy Schneider’s father and Charles March, Sr. in Barnwell; Paul Varga.
• those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Libby Little, facing the challenges of a demanding itinerary of speaking; Olivia and family; those struggling with unnamed issues; caregivers of children with health/developmental issues; those with employment/economic troubles; those suffering discouragement, depression, despair, or other mental health issues; those struggling with dependencies/substance abuse, especially Kathy, Greg L, Rachael, and Martin; those dealing with family relationships; young people challenged by the demands of schooling, looking for jobs, dealing with the many temptations confronting young adults.
• God’s blessing on those recently engaged/married, expecting babies, new/first-time parents: Derick Latorre and Heather Donahue, recently engaged; first-time parents, Brad and Kelly Ennis Babic (Baby Taylor Marie), and Ryan & Jennifer (Deane) Anderson (Baby Grace); new parents, Leré & Anina Visagie (Baby Luke)
• those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan.
• our residence-bound members: Murray Leonardson and Mike Rivera.
• our military men and women, especially Courtney Hemmert; Will Ryan; Matt Plescia; and Spencer Moore - that they may know God’s presence and protection.
• families and friends of our military troops, and victims of warfare & violence worldwide, that they may be blessed with God’s peace and reassurance.
• the power of the peace & love of Christ to subdue everywhere the spirits of hatred, hostility, unforgiveness, cruelty, vengeance, and warfare.

Remember To Thank & Praise God for
• all who serve KRC Ministries by meeting regularly, setting goals, preparing recommendations, & working together to complete projects and responsibilities.
• Pastor Rudy Visser, a Spirit-filled preacher of the Word and leader of vision.
• All those who participated in the Angel Tree and Capital City Rescue Mission Christmas gifts programs. Because of your generosity, many children will know the joy of receiving a gift from a parent who is in prison, and many homeless men will be able to keep warm and more comfortable this winter.
• KRC’s recent Candlelight Night Open House. Our sanctuary and fellowship room were filled with community and church family members enjoying each other’s fellowship as well as the beauty and traditions of the season. Many thanks to all who worked to make this outreach event a success.
• the blessing of family and friends.
• the homecoming of Leah and Samantha, premature twins born recently to Amy and Ryan, friends of Claudia and Arnie March
• the recent birth of Gianna Drew Principi, cousin of Isabelle and John Bosquet-Morra
• the encouraging report that Angie Rivera Maycole has recovered well and is able to be back at work.
• Marcia Smith’s good recovery from her bout with cancer, and that she is back to work.
• the good news that Gordie Van Buren continues to do very well at home - baked goods and visits are always welcome!
• the wonderful ways God shows his love to us, especially during difficult times.
•
• those men and women who have served or are now serving our country, & those who have sacrificed their well-being and lives for the peace & liberties we enjoy.

Regular reports are needed on the progress or condition of all individuals on our prayer and praise lists. If you have updated information, especially regarding individuals whose names appear in bold print, please call the church office.

OFFICE, EMAIL,WEBSITE, AND FAX INFORMATION
Email Address – krc@fairpoint.net
Website Address – kinderhookreformedchurch.com
Rev. Rudy is scheduled to be in his church office
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings.
If you wish to meet with Pastor during these times,
please call ahead for an appointment.
Evenings have been set aside for meetings, pastoral visitations,
and counseling.
For assistance on Fridays, please call or 859-4158
Church Phone 758-6401 Church Fax 758-6402
Phone messages are picked up several times daily.
If you need immediate assistance anytime, please call 859-4158.

COMING EVENTS

Today, December 18 – Fourth Sunday in Advent
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School Pageant
11:00 am Active confessing KRC members
elect Consistory members.
Coffee hour and reception immediately following.
Please Note: Adult Sunday School class will not meet today.
4:00 pm 2nd Annual Celebration of Lessons and Carols
Worship Service with Reception following
Tues., December 20
7:00 pm KRC Youth Group meets
Thur., December 22
10:00 am Community Prayer Group meets @ KRC
Please Note: KRC’s small groups meeting on Thursdays will be in recess until sometime in mid-January. Watch future bulletins for details about when they will resume.
Sat., December 24
8:00 pm KRC’s Annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Sun., December 25 – Christmas Day
10:00 am Worship Service
Please Note: Sunday School will be in recess until January 8, 2012.
Sun., January 8
10:00 am Communion Worship and Sunday School
11:00 am KRC’s 300th Anniversary
Kick-Off Celebration Brunch
Please Note: Adult Sunday School class will not meet January 8.